Who is the Main Character in Super Mario 64 DS?
The main character in Super Mario 64 DS is, surprisingly, Yoshi. Unlike the original Super Mario 64 where Mario was the default and only playable character at the start, the DS remake places you squarely in the shoes (or rather, the boots) of the beloved dinosaur. This is a significant departure from the norm and is one of the defining features of this enhanced version. You begin your adventure as Yoshi, tasked with rescuing not only Princess Peach, but also Mario, Luigi, and Wario. It’s a role reversal that significantly alters the gameplay experience.
Why Start as Yoshi?
A New Perspective
The decision to start with Yoshi was a deliberate one by Nintendo, aiming to offer a fresh and exciting take on a classic game. This change forces players to adapt to a different playstyle from the beginning. Yoshi’s unique abilities, such as his flutter-kick, which allows him to reach high places, and his ability to swallow enemies, turning them into eggs for projectile attacks, set him apart from Mario. While he lacks the traditional punches, kicks, and object-grabbing capabilities of Mario, this change adds depth and strategy to gameplay.
The Opening Narrative
The opening cutscene of Super Mario 64 DS clarifies the role of Yoshi as the starting protagonist. Instead of Mario encountering the invitation to Peach’s castle, it’s Yoshi who receives it, embarking on this grand adventure. This clearly establishes his central role in the game’s narrative and emphasizes his importance to the storyline.
A Tutorial Character
Yoshi also acts as a fantastic tutorial character. His unique skills provide a less challenging introduction to the game’s mechanics than Mario’s, making it easier for players, especially those new to the Super Mario 64 experience, to adjust to the 3D platforming. This shift ensures players familiarize themselves with core game mechanics and understand the layout of the environment before progressing to more familiar characters.
Unlocking the Classic Heroes
The Journey of Rescue
Despite starting as Yoshi, the iconic Mario, Luigi, and Wario are not left out of the action. You must actively work towards unlocking them during the early phases of the game. Mario is the first to be rescued, followed by Luigi, and finally Wario. Each character has unique abilities and is essential for exploring different sections of the game and tackling its many challenges.
The Value of Playability
While Yoshi sets the stage, the game encourages you to play with all four characters. Luigi is often favored because of his advanced backwards somersault, which greatly simplifies navigation. Mario, despite not being the starting character, retains his versatility with frequent use of wall jumps and flying. Wario, being the final character unlocked, is the strongest, able to break black bricks and throw Yoshis in multiplayer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Yoshi the only playable character in Super Mario 64 DS?
No, while you start the game as Yoshi, you can also unlock and play as Mario, Luigi, and Wario. Each character has different abilities, which are essential for navigating the game.
2. How do I unlock Mario in Super Mario 64 DS?
You unlock Mario by progressing through the game as Yoshi. Once you collect a certain number of Power Stars, you can rescue him. This involves entering a specific painting and defeating a boss within it.
3. How do I get Luigi in Mario 64 DS?
After earning the first star in the course, a set of steps will appear in the main house that lead to the second level. Through the door to the east (upstairs) is a secret loft with a painting of Luigi. Complete the Big Boo Challenge to unlock Luigi. He is trapped and needs Mario to rescue him.
4. What are Yoshi’s main abilities in Super Mario 64 DS?
Yoshi’s main abilities include a flutter-kick for reaching high places and the ability to swallow enemies and turn them into eggs, which he can then use as projectile attacks. He cannot punch, kick, or grab objects.
5. How is Super Mario 64 DS different from the original Super Mario 64?
Super Mario 64 DS is a remake of the original with several new features, including new graphics, characters (Yoshi, Luigi, Wario), collectibles, a multiplayer mode, and mini-games. Additionally, the number of stars has been increased from 120 to 150.
6. Which character is the best in Super Mario 64 DS?
Many players consider Luigi to be the most powerful character due to his advanced backwards somersault, which allows him to cover large distances and reach high places easily. However, Mario has the balanced abilities for most of the platforming challenges.
7. Why is Wario the final character to unlock in Super Mario 64 DS?
Wario is the final character to unlock because he is the strongest, capable of breaking black bricks and hitting enemies harder. These abilities make him valuable for accessing some of the most hidden areas of the game.
8. How many stars are there in Super Mario 64 DS?
There are a total of 150 stars to collect in Super Mario 64 DS, a significant increase from the original’s 120 stars.
9. Can Wario swim in Super Mario 64 DS?
Yes, Wario can swim, although he is not as fast or agile as the other characters. He has some of the worst overall stats and is slower compared to the others.
10. What happens if Mario loses his hat in Super Mario 64 DS?
If Mario loses his hat, he will take more damage from enemies. The hat can usually be found where it was lost, often being worn by an enemy.
11. Is there a multiplayer mode in Super Mario 64 DS?
Yes, Super Mario 64 DS features a multiplayer mode where you can play against other players using wireless connection.
12. Is Mario 64 DS a 3D game?
Yes, Super Mario 64 DS is a 3D platformer, using the unique features of the Nintendo DS.
13. What is the hardest star in Super Mario 64 DS?
Some of the hardest stars include the ones in courses like the Big Penguin Race, Elevator Tour in the Volcano, and 100 Coins in Tick Tock Clock. These require skillful navigation and timing.
14. How do you find Yoshi at the end of the game?
After collecting all 120 stars, Yoshi can be found on the roof of Peach’s Castle. You will need to use the cannon in the castle gardens to reach the roof.
15. Is Super Mario 64 DS available on the Nintendo Switch?
While not directly available on the Nintendo Switch, Super Mario 64 DS and the original Super Mario 64 were both included in the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection, which was available for a limited time.
Conclusion
In summary, while Mario is often considered the face of the franchise, Yoshi takes the spotlight as the main character at the start of Super Mario 64 DS. This alteration significantly enhances the gameplay by introducing a new perspective and forcing players to master varied abilities. The game’s design ensures that all four characters—Yoshi, Mario, Luigi, and Wario—are crucial for a complete and enjoyable playthrough. This unique approach cements Super Mario 64 DS as more than just a port, offering a fresh take on a beloved classic.